Updated April 2025, including Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2.
The Apple Watch is a powerful whole health monitor. The newest Apple Watch models contain sensors for most of the major vital signs: pulse (heart rate), an FDA-cleared ECG sensor, oxygen saturation, breathing rate, temperature, and now sleep apnea detection.
Apple Watch features for monitoring sleep and heart health (source: Empirical Health for Apple Watch)
If you’re looking to buy an Apple Watch for health monitoring, you have four major options as of early 2025: a new Series 10, a new Apple Watch SE, a new Apple Watch Ultra 9, or a used Series 8 or prior.
Here’s a quick rundown of how the health sensors vary across Apple Watch models:
| Health Feature | Series 6-8 | Series 9/10 | Ultra 2 | SE (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Rate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECG | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Blood Oxygen | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Temperature [1] | Series 8 only | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Sleep Tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleep Apnea Detection [2] | - | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Fall Detection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| High/Low Heart Rate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Irregular Rhythm | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cardio Fitness (VO2 Max) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Starting Price (New) | Discontinued | $399 | $799 | $249 |
[1] Temperature sensing was introduced with Apple Watch Series 8 [2] Sleep apnea detection requires watchOS 10.3 or later
Apple Watch Series 10: comprehensive health monitoring, including ECG, heart rate, and sleep apnea
ECG sensor on the Apple Watch Series 4 and above
The newest Apple Watch is the Series 10, launched September 2024. It starts at $399 if bought new. This includes all of the health sensors above: an ECG for heart monitoring, sleep apnea monitoring, and a third-generation heart rate sensor.
Apple Watch Ultra 2: similar health sensors, more rugged
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799, was launched September 2023, and includes all health features of the Series 9, plus GPS. This is a premium option targeted at serious hikers or athletes.
Apple Watch SE (2nd edition): affordable, but fewer health sensors
Although the Apple Watch SE is more affordable at $249, it’s lighter on health sensors. It includes a second generation heart rate sensor and sleep tracking, but not an FDA-cleared ECG or blood oxygen sensor. If you’re looking for something in this price range, also consider a used Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, or 9 which have additional health sensors.
Used Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, or 9
If you want nearly all of the health sensors at an affordable price point, a used Apple Watch Series 8 or prior is a good option. The Series 9 includes all of the health sensors of the series 10. The Series 8 It includes most health sensors—including the ECG, oxygen, and temperature sensors—but not the sleep apnea detection.
Buying these models used is a good option is you want more health sensors, but at an affordable price. As of this writing, used Apple Watches are selling for below $300. A used Series 6 costs around $180.
Best Apple Watch for heart health
Which Apple Watch is right for you depends, in part, on your specific heart health monitoring needs.
Heart arrhythmias (such as atrial fibrillation)
If you have an arrythmia, such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia, then you’ll likely want an Apple Watch with an ECG (electrocardiogram). The Apple Watch Series 4 or above have an ECG sensor, but not the Apple Watch SE or SE2.
All models of Apple Watch released since 2018 support afib history. Afib history estimates the percent of time each week your heart spends in atrial fibrillation. This feature was FDA-cleared in June 2022, and was released with watchOS 9.
Heart attack risk & proactive heart health
While Apple Watch cannot detect a heart attack, it can be part of a comprehensive heart health program using VO2Max, cardio recovery, and more. To be comprehensive, you will need to pair the Apple Watch with the results of an advanced blood test (e.g., an advanced heart health panel).
Best Apple Watch for blood pressure
Any Apple Watch can be paired with a cuff-based blood pressure monitor. Note that, as of 2025, the Apple Watch itself does not monitor blood pressure. There are rumors that future Apple Watch models will detect blood pressure.
Best Apple Watch for sleep health
All Apple Watch models track sleep stages (core, deep, and REM sleep). The Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 have a new sleep apnea detection feature that detects 89% of severe sleep apnea.
The best overall Apple Watch for health monitoring
What’s my overall recommendation? I’d get an Apple Watch Series 10 or Ultra 2 if you can afford it. If you’re on a budget, a used Series 9 or prior is a good option which has most of the health sensors for an affordable price.
